With reference to the L1011 TriStar, why is it that many people (particularly in the USA) refer to the aircraft as the 'L1011' whereas in many other parts of the world it is referred to as the 'TriStar'?

Anyone know why it wasn't known universally by the same name like virtually every other aircraft?

Seems like a classic case of six of one, half a dozen of another. Lockheed came up with the TriStar brand name, some airlines emphasized it more than others in their marketing. Some came up with their own brand names, for example, the former EA dubbed it the "Whisperliner."

In the Caribbean people know the L1011 as the Tristar or as "Bwee big plane". When the L1011 was introduced back in the 1980s the Tristar was used. Right on the centre engine intake on the old livery Tri Star 500 was written.

It probably comes from their military projects like the Shooting Star (F-80) and the beautiful Starfighter (F-104). But one may argue that MD also had military projects but didn't name their airliners.

Re: Except that it was the public - and probably a lot of aviation enthusiasts among them - that voted for the name.

Yes, but how reliable do you think that kind of poll actually is, when its run by an advertising agency - I'd trust them about as much as I'd trust the Florida Electoral Commission. Methinks I spot a preselected winner !

It will be ashame to see these planes to go the desert one day. I just will like, if possible to see a a Next Generation Tristar series. I know Lockheed have gone totally in the military aerospace so this is just highly unrealistic. The MD-11 and DC-10's are still around .I dont know I just find all trijets so cool looking.